NEWS
As TV presenter Kate Garraway is tipped to land Holly’s old job – the thought of not being around as much for Derek is tearing her apart
She’s already one of the most loved presenters on TV, but Kate Garraway’s stardom could be reaching new heights, as the 56 year old is one of ITV’s top choices to present This Morning alongside Ben Shephard.
But insiders say the prospect of taking on Holly Willoughby’s former role has left Kate feeling torn as her stricken husband Derek Draper, 56, still requires round-the-clock care.
A source says, “Kate is firmly in the sights of bosses at This Morning, and she ticks so many boxes. She’s a brilliant presenter who can easily switch between covering serious news and then interviewing a member of the public about something fun that’s happened in their life. Of course, with all she’s gone through in the last few years with Derek, she’s won over the hearts of many TV viewers with the way she’s dealt with such a trauma. Kate has often appeared on This Morning to talk about Derek, and the feedback from viewers has always been amazing. She’d be welcomed with open arms by the viewers.”
OPPORTUNITY
But while the opportunity sounds like the perfect deal for the TV star, who currently presents Good Morning Britain, the source shares that Kate is uncertain as to whether to take the leap. The source says, “Kate is really torn over the opportunity. Although she remains fiercely ambitious and still wants to achieve a lot on TV, her priority will always be Derek. She literally has to roll up her sleeves and fight for absolutely everything to ensure he gets the care he needs. On top of that, she also has to juggle being a mum.”
The dream presenting gig opened up following Holly Willoughby’s shock decision to quit the ITV show in October, announcing that she was leaving after 14 years “for me and my family”.
The move came just weeks after it was revealed the presenter, 42, was the target of an alleged kidnap plot.
Kate is already a fan favourite on Good Morning Britain, as well as earning praise for her show, Kate Garraway’s Life Stories, and her Smooth Radio show.
But her world was turned upside down in 2020 when husband of 17 years Derek – with whom she shares kids Darcey, 17, and William, 13 – was hospitalised with Covid where he was placed into an induced coma. Derek is the worst affected surviving patient in the UK and ended up spending over a year in hospital.
Since returning home, Derek has needed round-the-clock care, with Kate making multiple adaptations to her house – including a ramp for Derek’s wheelchair.
And Kate
